Tennessee Smokies Announce Smokies Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run for June 18

SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will host its Smokies Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run at Smokies Stadium on June 18, 2022 at 8:00am. Early packet pick-up will take place on June 17, 2022 from 4:00pm-7:00pm inside The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill.

The Smokies Trot 5K will begin at Smokies Stadium, continue onto roads surrounding the stadium, and finish with runners rounding the bases and crossing home plate.

Registration for the race will open at 9:00am on April 1 and will be $30. The registration fee will increase closer to the event. The fee for the 1 Mile Fun Run will be $25. Participants may register in teams or individually. Registrants will receive a Smokies Trot 5K t-shirt and a field level ticket voucher good for any June 2022 Smokies home game.

Age groups for the event will include 16U male, 16U female, 17-29 male, 17-29 female, 30-39 male, 30-39 female, 40-49 male, 40-49 female, 50-59 male, 50-59 female, 60+ male, and 60+ female.

The top three overall male and female winners will receive a custom Tennessee Smokies full size wood baseball bat. Age group winners in the 5K will receive a Smokies Trot medal.

During and after the event, beer and concessions will be available for purchase.

For full details on the Smokies Trot 5K please visit smokiesbaseball.com/5K. To register for the race, please go to https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Kodak/SmokiesTrot5k . Please direct any questions to [email protected].

The full schedule for this season and season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.

Yoga in the Outfield Back at Day Air Ballpark for the Second Time in 2021

 

*DAYTON, Ohio – *The annual “Yoga in the Outfield” event is back at Day Air Ballpark on Tuesday, July 20th. Tuesday marks the second of three events this year, with the third occurring on August 24th. The one-hour yoga class will be led by the founder of local yoga studio Ignite Yoga, Justina Sanford.

This event is perfect for yogis of all skill levels. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. before the class, and the yoga starts at 6:00 p.m. Stick around after the event to mingle with fellow yoga lovers, enjoy a complimentary drink at Day Air Ballpark, and see if you are a winner of any raffle prizes. The event will conclude at 9:00 p.m.

Cost of admission is only $15.00. Along with the yoga class, tickets include entry into a raffle for Dragons merchandise, as well as admission to the Happy Hour in the Sam Adams Pub after the class.

To order your tickets, call Andrew Hayes of the Dayton Dragons at (937) 228-2287 x129 or email at [email protected] for more information. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the event.

About Ignite Yoga: Located in Centreville, Ignite Yoga offers classes seven days a week at various skill levels. The studio offers private and group sessions along with meditation and nutrition counseling.

The Dragons play at beautiful, downtown Day Air Ballpark and are scheduled to play 24 more home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games and 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. No Monday games are scheduled at this time. Gates open one hour prior to game time. Single-game tickets for all Dragons 2021 home games are available at www.daytondragons.com or by phone at (937) 228-2287.

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Sea Dogs to Host Yoga in the Outfield on July 24

 

Click here to register

The Portland Sea Dogs are happy to partner with Crisp Studio to present our 5th annual Yoga in the Outfield event on Saturday, July 24th. Take part in a morning yoga class in the outfield at Hadlock Field and enjoy Sea Dogs baseball in the evening!

Bring your own mats and roll them out on the gorgeous green outfield grass for a unique yoga experience.

Gates will open at 8:45 AM for all participants and the class will run from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. The class will be taught by Crisp Studio instructor Debbie Duryee. This class is also designed to be accessible to yogis of all levels in experience (ages 10+).

Tickets are $20 and include a General Admission ticket to the Sea Dogs game that evening at 6:00 PM. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Please note, this is a BYOM (Bring your own mat) event!

International Yoga Day at Four Winds Field

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – The First Bank Performance Center, in conjunction with the South Bend Cubs, will be hosting yoga at Four Winds Field on Monday, June 21 to help celebrate International Yoga Day.

This event is to help promote health and wellness and the inner peace and balance achieved through mind and body connection. Individuals, families and everyone of all skill level are welcome! International Yoga Day at Four Winds Field will start at 7 p.m. ET, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Tickets for the first-ever yoga session at the ballpark are $25.

Four Winds Field expansive outfield grass is kept in pristine condition throughout the summer and is the perfect location to enjoy outdoor yoga with the community.

Mind Body Movement Instructor and Youth Development Specialist Amanda Alwine will lead the event. Alwine is a strength, flexibility, and mobility trainer with a Master’s Certification in Bioenergetics.

Any Yoga instructors in the region who would like to be involved or bring your group or studio out to the event please contact Amanda Alwine at [email protected].

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 33 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Jumbo Shrimp, Hearts 4 Minds to unveil mural on May 30 to raise mental health awareness

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Hearts 4 Minds, Inc. are excited to create positive change in crafting a community mural designed to bring the entire community of Jacksonville together. The mural is being sponsored by Baptist Health and will be unveiled at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 30 at 121 Financial Ballpark. Its theme touches on the importance of addressing mental health.

The Jumbo Shrimp and Hearts 4 Minds mural will be made up of handprints and will also include a QR code to connect people in Jacksonville to needed resources to address mental health. This original mural will be the first mental health mural in Jacksonville and represents the launch of a broader city-wide campaign to raise awareness about mental health. The mural is a reminder that each person has the power to change in the palm of their own hand.

“The Jumbo Shrimp are proud to be great partners in the launch of this initiative,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “Mental health touches every aspect of our community, and we are proud to do our part to bring access to resources to all of Jacksonville.”

Hearts 4 Minds’ core mission is about saving lives. With Mental Health America reporting that nearly 60 percent of those in the United States are not getting the help they need and stigma being one of the largest barriers to the help, Hearts 4 Minds seeks to connect people in need with mental health providers or a supportive community, partnering with hospitals and medical providers to change the healthcare ecosystem and developing programs that break the stigma of mental illness. Hearts 4 Minds believes that when people normalize the conversation regarding mental health, it can save lives.

“We are very excited for our fans to be included in the unveiling of this beautiful mural at 121 Financial Ballpark,” Jumbo Shrimp Senior Director of Community Engagement Andrea Williams said. “Thank you to Hearts 4 Minds in working with our organization to help inspire positive change, and we cannot wait to see the unveiling on May 30.”

The Jumbo Shrimp host the Durham Bulls at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. The mural will be unveiled prior to the game and fans are invited to take pictures and engage on social media in regards to it. Mental health resource partners will also be on-hand that day at 121 Financial Ballpark.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marks the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.

Annual Cutters 5K Race Set for June 12

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with Hope Enterprises, will be holding the Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 12 at Historic Bowman Field sponsored in part by; Hamilton Patriot, Horizon FCU, iHeart Media, Lamar, Muncy Bank & Trust, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, & Woodlands Bank.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final leg taking place inside the stadium. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds benefit the Hope Foundation and Hope’s TeenLink facility. The TeenLink site, located next to the McCall Middle School in Montoursville, is a community-based learning opportunity for local school districts, BLaST IU 17, autism support coordination and Hope individuals.

“Hope Enterprises is honored to once again be the beneficiary of the 2021 Cutters 5k race,” stated Hope’s CEO/President Rob Labatch. “We are blessed to have the support of the Williamsport Crosscutters, as their devotion to the philanthropic needs of our community is truly remarkable.”

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place runners in seven male and female age categories with the first-place runners having the opportunity to throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on June 19. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. In keeping with
health and safety guidelines, there will not be a Kids Fun Run held in conjunction with the event this year.

Last year’s race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s event will follow CDC guidelines including masking during check-in, and post-race awards along with a timed staggered start to assure safety and social distancing.

Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi said, “The Cutters 5K continues to be one of our signature charity events and are thrilled that we can bring it back this year after a year layoff. We are long-time supporters of Hope Enterprises and their mission and are happy to assist in supporting all they do in our community.”

Registration is $20 per person. All participants registering by June 1 are guaranteed a free a race t-shirt. Online registration is available at FalconRaceTiming.com (click on Registration). Entry forms and more information can be found by clicking the link below, or at the Crosscutters offices at Historic Bowman Field. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.

The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new MLB Draft League. MVP Club Season Ticket Plans and Bonus Book Mini-Plans are now available online at crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389. Tickets for Opening Night and other select games go on sale to the general public May 10 at 10am and can be ordered online, by phone or in-person at the Cutters Box Office.

CLICK HERE A PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM & FOR MORE CUTTERS 5K INFO!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN VIBES AND UCHealth ANNOUNCE HEALTH-FOCUSED PARTNERSHIP

The Rocky Mountain Vibes and UCHealth are teaming up to improve health in the Pikes Peak region through a partnership that includes community wellness activities and health education, both in the stands and outside the newly named UCHealth Park.

 

In addition to the new stadium name, the partnership will include enhanced game-day experiences for fans along with community initiatives to encourage health and wellness. UCHealth patients also will enjoy benefits of the partnership via visits from Vibes VIPs.

 

“We’re excited to partner with UCHealth to help create a wonderful ballpark experience for our fans and to collectively enhance our positive impact throughout the Pikes Peak region,” said Rocky Mountain Vibes President and General Manager Chris Phillips. “Partnering with Memorial Hospital, the only Comprehensive Stroke Center and Level I Trauma Center in all of southern Colorado, gives us the unique ability to inform, educate and improve the overall health of Vibes fans and our broader community.”

 

Among the many events fans and the community can expect:

 

·UCHealth and the Vibes will support the statewide MANtenance campaign, aimed at spreading awareness of men’s health and encouraging preventive screenings.

·The Vibes will support UCHealth’s #Checkout initiative, encouraging Coloradans to be mindful of screen time by swapping digital connection for interpersonal connection with family and friends.

·UCHealth will have an active role in the Rocky Mountain Vibes’ annual Emergency Preparedness Day, partnering with other local community and government agencies to educate Vibes fans as to the importance of proactive safety in emergencies.

·Family-friendly events at UCHealth Park will encourage kids, youth and adults to be active.

·The Vibes will help encourage fans to “Rock Your Routine” and start or continue healthy habits.

 

“UCHealth’s mission is to improve lives, and this partnership with the Vibes enables us to advance the health of the communities we serve,” said Joel Yuhas, president and CEO of UCHealth Memorial Hospital. “We look forward to engaging with Vibes fans and others in the Pikes Peak region to promote a culture of health and wellness along with offering education to avoid illness and injuries.”

 

The health partnership is the most notable and high-profile in a line of changes the Colorado Springs ball club has undergone this offseason since the name change of the team itself.

 

On Nov. 19, the organization unveiled the new team name of the Rocky Mountain Vibes to coincide with a league change for Colorado Springs this offseason from the Triple-A Pacific Coast League to the Rookie-Advanced Pioneer League. The total rebrand for the ball club includes new colors, logos, mascot, and now, a new stadium partnership as well.

 

There will be a number of other upgrades and improvements throughout UCHealth Park for the 2019 season. These changes will include new vendors, custom furniture and seating along the concourse, new on-field promotions, and a great deal more.

 

About the Vibes

The 2019 Vibes season begins June 14 against the Orem Owlz. The home opener is scheduled for June 21 against the Grand Junction Rockies. Get the latest Rocky Mountain Vibes baseball news online at www.vibesbaseball.com, like us on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter or Instagram at @VibesBaseball.

About UCHealth

UCHealth is an innovative, nonprofit health system that delivers the highest quality medical care with an excellent patient experience. UCHealth combines Longs Peak Hospital, Yampa Valley Medical Center, Memorial Hospital Central, Memorial Hospital North, Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies, UCHealth Medical Group, Broomfield Hospital, Grandview Hospital, Pikes Peak Regional Hospital and University of Colorado Hospital into an organization dedicated to health and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. With more than 150 clinic locations, UCHealth pushes the boundaries of medicine, providing advanced treatments and clinical trials and improving health through innovation.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet to Benefit NAMI

The Williamsport Crosscutters 13th Annual Hot Stove Banquet will be held on Wednesday, January 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The event is presented in part by Panda Patriot Power, River Valley Transit, WRAK 1400AM, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of North Central PA is very excited and honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the Hot Stove Banquet charity funds,” stated NAMI chairperson Carol Sides. “We will utilize the donation towards educational opportunities for our community on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and suicide awareness.”

Guests at this year’s event include former Phillies outfielder Gary “Sarge” Matthews, ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian and from the Academy Award nominated movie “Field of Dreams”, actor Dwier Brown.

Matthews, a first round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants in 1968, hit .281 in his 16-year major league career with 234 home runs and 978 RBI’s. Matthews was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1973 with the San Francisco Giants and the MVP of the National League Championship Series in 1983 with the Phillies. After his playing and coaching career, he was a popular broadcaster for the Phillies from 2007-2013.

Kurkjian has covered baseball since 1978 and has been a baseball writer, reporter, analyst and host at ESPN since 1998. He has been a regular on Baseball Tonight and Sportscenter. Kurkjian has been part of ESPN’s coverage of the MLB Little League Classic the last two years at Williamsport’s BB&T Ballpark.

Brown, an actor for 37 years, has appeared in hundreds of films, plays and televisions shows, but it was his role as Kevin Costner’s father, John Kinsella, in “Field of Dreams” that changed his life.

The evening will consist of a full-course dinner, live and silent auctions of sports memorabilia along with interviews and question and answer segments with the special guests. Additionally, Brown will speak about the making of “Field of Dreams” and the special bond between fathers, sons and the game of baseball. Other highlights of the event include the inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk. Those inductees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The ballroom doors open at 5:30 PM with the dinner and entertainment portion of the event kicking off at 6:30 PM. An autograph session will take place at the close of evening.

Tickets are $59 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389 or ordering online at the link below. This event is a virtual sell-out every year, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets now. Reserved seating is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as tickets are ordered. Business sponsorships for the event are also available.
Tickets – Order Now!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Kettering Health Network Presents the “Strike Out Stroke” Event

Dayton, Ohio – Manual Bidaara, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 20, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Bidaara, a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Portugal, was brushing his teeth one morning in April and noticed he couldn’t move his left arm or hand. Then, his left leg gave out and he collapsed. The whole left side of his body went numb and Bidaara began to slur his speech.

Bidaara’s host brother helped him up and notified his host guardian, Jim. Jim knew something was wrong and took Bidaara to the emergency room at Soin Medical Center. There, he was stabilized by Scott Balonier, DO.

After evaluation, it was theorized that Bidaara, who is active in sports, had recently suffered an ankle injury that created a blood clot. The clot moved upwards through his body and passed through a hole in Bidaara’s heart due to a heart condition from his childhood. Then, the clot made its way to Bidaara’s brain and caused the stroke.

Bidaara had surgery in early May at Kettering Medical Center and is on the road to recovery. His career ambition is to one day become a neurologist to study the brain himself.

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Take a Deep Breath, Legends To Host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – Fans can breathe deep on May 12 at 10 a.m. when the Lexington Legends host Yoga on the Field Presented by Bourbon on Rye. This complimentary community event is open to yogis of all ages and allows fans to do yoga on the same field as the Legends.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Brooke Williams will lead a 60-minute Vinyasa Flow. Bend and zen alongside the Legends players and Big L in this practice designed for beginners to advanced yogis. Following yoga, fans can indulge in $2.00 post-yoga mimosas.

“We are excited to host Yoga on the Field again this year. This is a great opportunity to get outside and exercise with our players and Big L. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy yoga, so we encourage fans of all yoga levels to come out to Whitaker Bank Ballpark,” said Legends President/CEO, Andy Shea.

Please use this link to RSVP for the event. Special thanks to our partner, Athleta, for helping to make this possible!

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

PRMC’S Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Returns on Thursday, October 12 for a 23rd Season

Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic is returning for a 23rd season on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Arthur W. Perdue (Shorebirds) Stadium at the intersection of Route 50 and Hobbs Road in Salisbury, Maryland from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Vaccinations will be administered to individuals 13 years of age or older (13-17 please bring a parent or legal guardian to sign consent). A physician’s order is not necessary. A donation of $10.00 per vaccination is requested (cash only; exact amount is appreciated).

Flu vaccinations are encouraged for persons over the age of 65, people with heart or lung disorders, immunosuppressant diseases or diabetes. Participants are encouraged to wear a short sleeved shirt that will provide easy access to the upper arm.

For additional information, please visit the PRMC Drive-Thru Flu clinic page on the website at www.peninsula.org/dtfc. English and Spanish flu shot consents forms for PRMC’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic are available on the site and may be filled out in advance and brought with you to the event.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend PRMC’s Drive-Thru Flu Clinic on Thursday, October 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

MiLB, Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation team up to educate fans about prostate cancer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. and PHOENIX — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and the Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation are partnering for the second consecutive year to bring prostate cancer awareness information to millions of baseball fans across the country this Father’s Day weekend. The effort is being coordinated by Minor League Baseball Charities, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to and enhancing the communities MiLB teams call home, and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

As part of the collaboration, MiLB teams will distribute prostate cancer awareness literature, including customized brochures, and branded mini bat keychains to fans attending Father’s Day games on Sunday, June 18. In addition, each team will recognize an outstanding dad in its local community or someone who is battling or has survived prostate cancer and present him with an engraved full-size Louisville Slugger Father’s Day commemorative bat at the game, courtesy of the Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation.

The Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in January 2013 by Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall as a comprehensive tool for those who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families to help them understand the challenges and choices they face.

“I am extremely grateful to Minor League Baseball for helping continue to spread awareness about the importance of prostate cancer screening and early detection,” said Hall, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011. “For the second consecutive year, the collective reach of these ballparks to men around the country has already helped many overcome the challenges of prostate cancer and will continue to save so many lives. The journey can be quite frightening but a positive state of mind is powerful medicine and hopefully this information will help those diagnosed realize that they’re not alone.”

“The Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation initiative on Father’s Day is one of the many charitable causes that Minor League Baseball, Minor League Baseball Charities and our teams have chosen to support in our ongoing quest to be good citizens in our communities and make a lasting impact on our fans,” added Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO.

For a list of Minor League Baseball games this Father’s Day weekend, visit MiLB.com/schedule. To learn more about Minor League Baseball Charities and its Charity Partners Program, visit MiLB.com.

About Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2016, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.3 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com.

Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wings of Hope event set for Aug. 13

Rochester Community Baseball, the Rochester Red Wings, Sharing Kindness, Inc., and Villa of Hope held a press conference to announce a new initiative, “Wings of Hope” to raise awareness of suicide risk factors, suicide prevention and community resources for treatment. A special day at the ballpark has been scheduled for Sunday, August 13.

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings and Villa of Hope President and CEO, Christina Gullo was joined on May 24 by Red Wings players Jason Wheeler, John Ryan Murphy, D.J. Baxendale, ByungHo Park, Trevor Hildenberger, and Alan Busenitz. Wheeler spoke on behalf of his teammates and shared his experience demonstrating the importance of this partnership.

Jason Wheeler and his family know the effect suicide has on a family, “Mental illness and suicide have personally affected me and my family. We lost my 16 year-old brother-in-law Jeremy, almost eight months ago. Since this tragedy, we have been astonished at not only how common mental illness and suicide are, but also how unable we are as a society to speak about them because of the strong stigma associated with these issues. As a family, we are working towards eliminating stigma surrounding suicide, and changing the perception in our communities that mental illness is different from any other illness. We feel very fortunate to be partnering with the Red Wings and Villa of Hope to help raise mental health awareness, improve education, and start an ongoing conversation about suicide, both in the Rochester community and nationwide.”

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings shares, “We are fortunate to have great players on our team but even more fortunate that these young men are outstanding citizens who want to make a difference in the lives of other people. It is atypical for a minor league baseball player to sponsor a promotion for his team and we are thrilled that Jason is partnering with us and our friends at the Villa of Hope to help raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health. This is a very personal matter for he and his family and everyone at Rochester Community Baseball applauds and supports him for using his status as a professional baseball player to raise awareness and funding for such an important topic in our society today. ”

Five months ago, Villa of Hope moved into its new, larger Behavioral Health (Mental Health and Chemical Dependency) Outpatient Clinic at Water Tower Park in response to the rapidly growing need in the Rochester area. Christina Gullo, President and CEO of Villa of Hope states, “Twelve percent of children under the age of 18 have considered suicide in the past year and seven percent attempted it. S uicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. As a community we need to have the resources for parents and kids to find help before these become life-altering or life-threatening events.”

Special Red Wings jerseys, hats, socks and Minnesota Twins collectibles will be available for auction at the Sunday, August 13th game at 1:35 p.m. All proceeds of the auction will benefit Villa of Hope and Sharing Kindness, Inc. That game is a designated “Kids Club Day” and will include sports entertainer “BirdZerk!” and a chance for kids to run the bases with Spikes and Mittsy after the game.

About Sharing Kindess

Sharing Kindness is a newly-formed non-profit, started by the Walters family after the death by suicide of their 16 year old son Jeremy, in October of 2016. It is dedicated to overcoming the stigma surrounding mental illness, depression and suicide. Sharing Kindness is about having the courage and compassion to start and sustain the conversation in our communities about these issues that have traditionally been so difficult to talk about. We are currently developing and helping fund various awareness and education programs in the lower and outer towns of Cape Cod, MA, an area plagued with higher than average rates of suicide, with special focus on our schools.

About Villa of Hope

Through a network of high quality programs and services, Villa of Hope specializes in helping at-risk youth overcome emotional and behavioral challenges and build lifelong strengths. The Villa’s community-based, residential and educational programs address mental health needs, trauma-informed care, life-skills development, and chemical dependency. Founded in 1942, today Villa of Hope serves more than 3,000 young people and their families annually.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

KHN Presents Strike Out Stroke Event

Dayton, Ohio – Abbey Hendershott, a stroke survivor, will throw out the first pitch at the Dayton Dragons game on Sunday, May 21, at 2:07 p.m. when Kettering Health Network presents the “Strike Out Stroke™” event. The Dragons will be hosting the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton. Strike Out Stroke is a registered trademark of the “Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.”

Hendershott experienced a stroke at her home on March 23, 2015. Despite being a nurse and recognizing the symptoms of a stroke, she initially attempted to talk herself out of the fact that she could be having one because she was only in her mid-twenties.

Hendershott’s face did not move when she smiled and went numb when she tried to laugh at a joke that her sister-in-law told. She was also experiencing numbness on the left side of her body. Her sister-in-law immediately called 911 and Hendershott was transported to Sycamore Medical Center.

After a one-day stay at that facility, she was taken to Kettering Medical Center for further evaluation and seen by Dr. Short, a neurosurgeon. Hendershott was released from the hospital three days later.

Hendershott provides a simple piece of advice to people who think they may be suffering a stroke no matter their age, “If you are having any symptoms, do not wait.”

Kettering Health Network will be on the plaza from noon-2:30 p.m. with stroke awareness and prevention information and will also be passing out various stroke awareness items.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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OKC Dodgers Hosting Fan Fest and CommUNITY Run Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host their third annual Fan Fest as well as the inaugural CommUNITY Run Saturday, March 25 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The CommUNITY Run begins at 8:30 a.m. and Fan Fest will take place from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Both events are open to the public, and admission is free.

“Fan Fest has become an event that is highly anticipated by our fans,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We can’t wait to open up the gates to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and get Oklahoma City ready for baseball season.”

Gates will open at 10 a.m. for Fan Fest, and the festivities will begin at 10:30 with a question-and-answer session with former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman and 1992 National League Rookie of the Year Eric Karros. Karros played 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, including 12 with the Dodgers. Karros will be available to the media following the question-and-answer session, and he will be available for autographs at 11:30 a.m. in the Legends Lounge.

Fan Fest will also feature the second annual Dodger Dog eating contest at 11 a.m, and fans can watch the area’s top adult home run hitters put on a power display during a home run derby beginning at noon.

Events also include behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark, giving fans special access to areas they normally cannot see, such as the home clubhouse. While visiting the clubhouse, fans of all ages can take batting practice in the team’s indoor batting cages.

Team mascots Brix and Brooklyn will be available to take pictures with fans throughout the day. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including inflatable games, a balloon artist and a face painter.

Fans will have the chance to purchase ticket packages and pick their seats for the season. Ticket representatives will be on hand to assist and answer any questions, and the ticket office will be open to sell single-game tickets. The OKC Dodgers Team Store will be open with brand new merchandise for the 2017 season, with certain items in the store on clearance.

Fan Fest will also coincide with the OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run. The 5K and 1K fun run will start at the ballpark and finish on the field. Registration is still open at okcdodgers.com, with entry fees ranging from $25-$30. Additionally, a special kids’ run will take place on the field, with a registration cost of only $10. All entry fees and monetary donations at the event will go directly to the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and the OKC Police Athletic League.

Runners who participate in the 1K and 5K will receive a race t-shirt and commemorative medal. All kids race participants will receive an OKC Dodgers baseball. Top finishers in the 5K will receive a separate medal during the winner’s ceremony.

Minor League Baseball launched the CommUNITY initiative in Aug. 2016 to create a call to action to encourage fans to think of ways to be a positive influence on their families and communities to help end senseless violence and discrimination. As a result, the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and OKC Police Athletic League are partnering together to create positive opportunities for youth in the Oklahoma City area through sports and education.

“The OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run is more than a race,” said OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Managing Director Jennifer Van Tuyl. “It is an opportunity for the community to come together and showcase our ability to have a positive impact in the place we live and with the people that make this place so great.”

Free parking for all events will be available in the Joe Carter Lot, located behind right field at the northeast corner of Reno and Joe Carter Avenues. Due to construction, those parking in the Joe Carter Lot must enter from Reno Ave.

The Oklahoma City Dodgers open the 2017 season Thursday, April 6 against the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. For more information about Fan Fest or the 2017 OKC Dodgers season, visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-1000.